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Finding My Way Back

Finding My Way Back

Today is the day that Keaton died in 2001, just before his 4th birthday. November 23rd: it’s a different experience each year. Sometimes it falls on Thanksgiving, as it was that night. The emotional experience varies each year as well. That it has become easier over...
Breathing Through It

Breathing Through It

The previous three weeks had been hard ones.  We’d gone too many miles on not enough gallons and even little comforts had been few and far between.    A year-and-a-half into our travels, we were quite used to basic accommodations:  small beds, lumpy mattresses, sheets...

The Healing Power of Music

As soon as I saw the expression on the faces of the staff at Doug’s House, I knew something was wrong. Our patient, Mr. Smith,* they told me, was not feeling well and would be going to the hospital. He would have to miss the concert that had been arranged especially...
Being Brave: The Courage to Relax

Being Brave: The Courage to Relax

After a full summer spent volunteering on the border of South Texas, Bill and I set off, bicycles in tow, into Mexico.  We rode buses and trains between destinations. Once we arrived, we either stored the bikes or used them to explore our new surroundings.  The more...
A Sense of Well-Being

A Sense of Well-Being

“On a scale from 1 – 10, rate your general sense of well-being.” Dr. Bob Friedman, the chief medical officer for CTPCA – Central Texas Palliative Care Associates – looked at my brother-in-law expectantly. “Pretty good. I would say it’s an 8,” Stuart responded. He’d...
Surviving the Holidays

Surviving the Holidays

With good reason, holiday seasons are among the most emotionally difficult times for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. Holidays may be difficult no matter what you try to do or where you go. Be gentle with yourself. Below are some tips that may...